African Scholar Sam Kodo Computer wizz from Togo
Nteff Alain Africa’s top young entrepreneur solving health problems with technology
Respublica
Tips for choosing student accomodation
South African Education: Improving the bottom line via technology
Portia
Sehlake A young lady’s dream to conquer the Oil Industry
VOLUME 13 APR-JUN 2015 R24.99
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FROM THE EDITOR
N
EDITOR
o one will deliver our continent’s and our individual countries’ visions better than the young people that dwell on this vast landmass will. We say this not only because young people account for the majority of the continent’s productive age, but because we are alive to the fact that they have the power to transform societies into better places and countries into progressive and strong nations. From social causes to political movements, young people arguably remain the most reliable executors.
Lucky Musonda
CONTRIBUTORS Lovelife, Ogilvy Public Relations, Careers in Africa, Waggener Edstrom Communications, How We Made It In Africa, Tribeca PR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGY Andrew Mphande andrewm@africanscholarmag.com Chilalo Mumba chilalom@africanscholarmag.com
EVENTS AND EXPOS Marian Ross marianr@africanscholarmag.com
GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@africanscholar.co.za
SUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@africanscholar.co.za
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tawanda Hojane Ubicon tawandash@gmail.com
Across the continent, young people, or youths to be specific, have been instrumental in fighting for their identity in society, for their freedoms and those of others. They have fought for equality and against exploitation, social exclusion and poverty. Our youths are filled with incredible and towering ambitions that continue to influence both their dreams and actions. The role youths played during the liberation struggles across the continent and during the protests against governments in countries like Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Egypt need no reminder to anyone. But how can we make use of these young people to also instill good morals and values that will help our societies handle conflicts in a positive way, how societies within which they grow be stronger and more resilient with their contribution? There is no straightforward answer to these and many related questions. However, we at African Scholar know just how much our education systems can help in restoring our intellectual infrastructure and propelling our continent to greater heights. So many factors continue to hinder the provision of quality or relevant education. We continue to witness an education system that is more market-driven, (i.e. aiming at making profits), than that aiming at making better citizens for tomorrow; citizens with good morals, better understanding of their history, their culture and their heritage. Increasingly, our education system is moving away from its responsibility of acting as a vehicle through which countries can attain long term sustainable social and economic development. We do join others in congratulating learning institutions that achieve high pass rates. At the same time, we remind them to look at the real results of their intervention in the lives of those their institutions are offloading into society. Are the products of the learning experience holistically developed to help deliver on the vision of our individual countries?
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African Scholar Magazine Copyright © African Scholar Magazine. All rights reserved. Request to lift material should Be made to the editor. While every effort has been made by the publisher to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for, any errors, or loss incurred as a result.
Like Portia Sehlake has shared with us, education does not end in the classroom, neither does it begin there. It is on this basis that our reliance on classroom examinations as a measure of academic performance or intelligence needs to be re-examined. For example, the role technology is playing in shaping our society should not be ignored. Similarly, the experiences and lessons we go through as we interact with people from diverse backgrounds all shape our worldviews, individually or collectively. It should not surprise us if high performing students fail to adapt to new cultural environments; they are products of an education system that is yet to fully respond to the changes being witnessed outside classrooms. A failure to deliver relevant education will ultimately lead to failures in our nation building attempts. Restoring our intellectual infrastructure will require more than just pronouncements by both governments and academicians. It will require pragmatic political will, and sustained long-term investment in the education systems that will be responding to the needs of our societies. We need to see more of people like Portia Sehlake; classroom highflyers with the desire to explore beyond classrooms, to learn how other communities function, what value systems they have, how they address their issues and how they resolve their conflicts. The responsibility does not lie on the shoulders of today’s leaders and politicians alone; it lies on you the youths of today too, the young people who will be the torchbearers for our countries’ vision. Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Lucky Musonda
The African Scholar Magazine Inspire. Inform. Impact.
www.africanscholarmag.com
AfricanScholarMagazine
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The African Scholar Magazine
In this edition African Scholar Sam Kodo Computer wizz from Togo
Features 08 Young Entrepreneur: Why a 15 year old decided to build bamboo bikes in Ghana 12 Royal Academy of Engineers Africa needs more skilled engineers says research
Nteff Alain Africa’s top young entrepreneur solving health problems with technology
Respublica
Tips for choosing student accomodation
14 Nteff Alain Africa’s top young entrepreneur solving health problems with technology
South African Education: Improving he bottom line via technology
18 Pastel Teaching accounting software at school prepares scholars for university and work
Portia
Sehlake A young lady’s dream to conquer the Oil Industry
VOLUME 13 APR-JUN 2015 R24.99
20 M-NET Magic In Motion Academy M-NET reveals the much-anticipated first 12 M-NET Magic In Motion interns 24 Portia Sehlake A young lady’s dream to conquer the Oil Industry 28 The Bookery Set to open another library 30 Sam Kodo Meet the computer wizz from Togo who built his first robot at age seven 34 Respublica Top tips for choosing student accomodation 36 Global Career Company Global Career Company’s Careers in Africa initiative travels from Johannesburg to London to close Africa’s talent gap 38 ABB JDF scholarship recipients: a shining example for engineering students on the African continent 42 South African Education: Improving the bottom line via education 44 AfDB Improving the bottom line via education
Lifestyle
32 Recipes Homestyle egg salad 33 Recipes Scrambled egg muffins with smoked salmon
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FEATURE
| WINIFRED SELBY
Why a 15 year old decided to build bikes from bamboo in Ghana
A
t an African Leadership Academy event in Johannesburg last year, I asked a young Ghanaian entrepreneur, Winifred Selby, what motivated her to co-start Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative when she was just 15. The award winning company makes bicycles out of bamboo and has caught the attention of global organisations. Her answer? She was fed-up. Whilst at school Selby discovered a number of things about Ghana, and the continent in general, that deeply upset her. “I always say Africans are the richest… there are so many things we have and can add value to make a change. But Africans always seem to think they cannot do something extraordinary, but rather only people from foreign countries can,” she said sternly. “It’s so sad and so serious that a common toothpick in my country has to be imported from other countries. We don’t do it ourselves because we look down on ourselves… We think foreigners are the people to make changes. It’s something that pains me because we have been blessed with so many things.” She also realised there was demand for an affordable mode of transport in her country after learning many students in Ghana have to walk miles to get to school. “By the time they get to the classroom they will be tired. What concentration are they going to have to study? Imagine walking eight miles (13km) to school, learning, and then
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walking eight miles back home.” She realised farmers faced a similar challenge and often had to walk great distances carrying heavy loads to get produce to markets, due to a lack of transportation in agricultural areas. And in addition there is the high unemployment levels and the reality that Ghana needs many more growing businesses and entrepreneurs to provide much needed jobs. All of these things frustrated Selby, and she desperately wanted to be part of as many solutions as possible. “But I was 15, a student, and didn’t have any money. I can’t make cars – they are too expensive. But I kept thinking, what can I do to add value to bring a change in Africa? And then I realised what to do because I [remembered] my country is blessed with many things.” One is bamboo – which Ghana has an abundance of. And it wasn’t long before she – with the help of two older students, Bernice Dapaah and Kwame Kyei – discovered they could convert the bamboo into sturdy, shockresistant bicycle frames. And so the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative was born.
the company employs around a dozen people full-time, produces between 60 and 100 bicycles a month, and has provided hundreds with a form of transport. What is more, the bikes have found a large export market and received some international recognition. In November 2013 UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon took a spin on one of Selby’s bikes at the Warsaw Climate Change Conference. And Selby, who has now just turned 20, is also no stranger to media attention and has received a number of accolades. Last year she was named a 2014 Anzisha Prize finalist, an award for African entrepreneurs between 15 and 22 who use entrepreneurship to solve problems in their communities. She has also been recognised as a 2014 Set Africa Fellow, and WEF Global Shaper. Today, one of the company’s major challenges is keeping up with demand.
Being stubborn and ignoring the critics Selby said one of the reasons there are not enough young Africans venturing into entrepreneurship is because they are often discouraged by others. And as a woman entrepreneur she has especially found this to be the case many times. For example, when she and her partners first went to register her company, the officer handling the paperwork asked her about her initiative. But when she told him she planned to add value to bamboo by manufacturing bicycles, she was shocked by his response. “He looked at me and said: ‘Young lady, are you sure you have the right frame of mind?’,” she recalled. “I was thinking he was going to motivate me. But he really [tried to] discourage me instantly… as if thinking that turning bamboo into bicycles was the work of men.” However, she believes it is important for entrepreneurs to draw inspiration and courage from their own dreams and passions, rather than simply rely on the support of others. “There were so many friends who laughed when they heard about the bamboo bike idea. Some people will definitely discourage you, but one thing I’ve realised in life is that you have to be focused,” she added. “People never understand your journey because it is not theirs to understand.”
Becoming a global success story The aim was to address both the transportation needs and unemployment problems in her community. Five years later
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FEATURE
| AFRICA NEEDS MORE ENGINEERS
Africa needs more skilled engineers, says research By Kate Douglas – How We Made It In Africa “Sufficient engineering capacity is essential to the economic and social development of any country. It is a basic requirement for the provision of infrastructure that enables better healthcare, access to education and the development of an attractive environment for foreign investment. It is a key driver for innovation and growth.”
T
his is according to a recent study that looks at the engineering capacity needs in sub-Saharan Africa, conducted by the Royal Academy of Engineering and headed by Holly Wright, the Academy’s international policy advisor for Africa. The results of the survey revealed that Africa lacks engineers with sufficient skills and experience. The report also highlighted that there are notable levels of unemployment among engineering graduates. One of the reasons for this could be partly due to a reluctance by engineering graduates to take poorly paid positions in rural areas. “However, the predominant reason identified in this study was that engineers were graduating without the necessary skills and experience to be employable,” stated Wright.
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According to the research, although this problem of a lack of skilled engineers may vary between engineering sectors, professional levels and countries, it is a problem prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa. Why does sub-Saharan Africa lack skilled engineers? One of the causes identified for this low capacity in sub-Saharan Africa is due to government policies and approaches to engineering. “Low-level public investment in engineering projects over several decades has meant an inconsistent demand for engineers, which has seriously limited the opportunities for engineers to gain marketable skills and experience,” added Wright. The report also suggests that governments in the region often fail to uphold engineering standards through requirements for professional registration. “The failure or lack of regulation in relation to foreign engineering firms is also damaging to local capacity,” explained Wright. “Local content laws, where they do exist, are often not appropriately enforced to ensure knowledge transfer from foreign companies to local engineers.”
Another cause for Africa’s low number of engineers with sufficient skills is due to poor quality education. “Engineering courses in subSaharan Africa are often too theoretical, based on outdated curricula and not relevant to local needs,” stated Wright. In addition, engineering faculties generally lack the resources to provide appropriate laboratory experience and academic staff are often paid low salaries, making it a less attractive position for high quality staff. The research added that it is particularly difficult for universities to compete with the private sector to attract academic staff with industrial experience. Other factors causing this low capacity include the lack of opportunity to gain work experience as a student and, once in the work place, to receive training. Furthermore, there has been a ‘brain drain’ of quality engineers in sub-Saharan Africa as those that do obtain the skills and experience, often leave to find jobsin countries where pay and working conditions are better. “Also contributing to low engineering capacity is the weakness of professional engineering institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, which are typically poorly resourced,” added Wright. What needs to be done? The research illustrates that low engineering capacity is an obstacle to the development of national and regional infrastructure, which affects the economic development of countries in the region. The impact of this is most obvious in rural areas where it is more difficult to attract skilled engineers and infrastructure is particularly poor or non-existent. Wright notes that poor infrastructure is a deterrent to foreign investment. “Beyond the direct impact of poor infrastructure, lack of engineering capacity hampers economic growth,” explained Wright. “The limited capacity of local providers, for example, has led to widespread reliance on foreign engineering companies, which can result in capital flight and a reduction in employment opportunities.” Wright suggests that there is a greater need to understand that the benefits of investing in infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa go beyond services delivered, and countries that rely on the expertise of foreign investment in their engineering sector must develop strategies to use that investment to build their local capacity and reduce this reliance in the long run.
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Fellowship applications for Grade 12 learners and first year university students open on the 19th of January, 2015. The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is offering individuals that show potential in entrepreneurial talent an opportunity to develop as responsible entrepreneurs by applying for the university Fellowship opportunity. Anthony Farr, CEO of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, says: “The Foundation invests in a long-term legacy of greatness through inspiring and developing individuals who will become high impact, responsible entrepreneurs who are capable of shaping and transforming the future of Southern Africa.” Fellowship opportunity: Grade 12 learners Applications are open to current Grade 12 learners and closes on the 30th of April, 2015. Fellowship opportunity: First year university students Applications are open to current first year university students and closes on the 31st of August 2015. The Foundation supports degrees in the fields of Commerce, Engineering and Science (excluding medicine), Law or Humanities (majoring in Politics, Philosophy or Economics). Only candidates furthering their education at the following Universities can apply: • • • • • • • • • •
University of Cape Town University of the Western Cape TSiBA (2nd Year intake) Stellenbosch University University of Johannesburg University of Pretoria WITS University Rhodes University Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University University of the Free State (2nd Year intake).
With the Foundation’s firm belief that a solid education is the starting point for any entrepreneurial journey, the Fellowship opportunity provides Candidate Fellows access to a community of likeminded individuals, exposure to thought leaders, mentorship, entrepreneurial mind-set development and full university funding. For more information and application forms, visit www.allangrayorbis.org or the Foundation’s Facebook page.
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AFRICAN SCHOLAR | 13
FEATURE
| NTEFF ALAIN
Africa’s top young entrepreneur solving health problems with technology
“For me changing the world isn’t about creating a new phone that the whole world buys. For me it is just about bringing positive change to the local community.” Cameroonian Nteff Alain is the 22-yearold entrepreneur behind GiftedMom, a new e-content platform for pregnant women that provides information to combat the high number of mother and infancy deaths in under-serviced communities in the country. He was recently named the winner of the 2014 Anzisha Prize, an award for African entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 22, and received US$25,000 to grow his venture. Alain is a telecommunications engineering student, and the idea for GiftedMom came to him while visiting a childhood friend who was doing his medical internship in a rural community. His friend was distressed, having seen a particularly high number of premature babies die that week.
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“For me changing the world isn’t about creating a new phone that the whole world buys. For me it is just about bringing positive change to the local community.”
“The problems for these babies were caused by disease and infections like chlamydia, syphilis and malaria, which can be treated with antenatal care. But most women simply don’t go to antenatal clinics,” he explained. And in rural areas, the medical supplies needed to look after premature babies, such as incubators, are not available. “The infrastructure is simply not there, so there was this need to prevent the situation before it arose.” So Alain started doing some research. He found most of the problems during pregnancy can be prevented through educating women and providing them with vital information for a healthy pregnancy. “I noticed many necessary medical resources are already there for these women. For instance, premature births can be caused by malaria and malaria treatment is free. The women just don’t know it. They think if they go to hospital they will be charged a lot, so they seek traditional solutions which invariably increase the complications of pregnancy. “Help is often in place, but no channel to actually educate these women on what’s available… there was a need to link the two,” he explained. “So I thought: this is one of Africa’s oldest and biggest problems, and medical personnel have been trying everything, but it’s not working. I have IT skills… and just knew using technology and innovation could help solve this problem.”
The solution – simple but effective Mobile penetration is high in Cameroon, even in rural areas, and Alain realised he could use this platform to get valuable information to women. He built an SMS application and got in touch with an international NGO,
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NTEFF ALAIN
“Help is often in place, but no channel to actually educate these women on what’s available… there was a need to link the two.”
Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA) to form a partnership. The organisation provided the general information women need during pregnancy. He then got medical students to customise the messages into Cameroon-specific content and last year started the pilot phase in the Mankon community of northwestern Cameroon. His highlight came when he watched a pregnant woman receive her first SMS. “The first message just welcomes you and tells you we are going to send you two SMEs a week that will tell you how to have a safe pregnancy. And when she read it I just saw this joy in her, like somebody finally understands her and has her back. And it just motivated me. I just told myself every pregnant woman has to have this.” Today the platform has over 1,200 pregnant women and mothers of newborns registered, and has expanded to 15 rural communities across Cameroon. He has also developed an Android app to help teenage mothers and health workers in underserviced areas calculate due dates.
| FEATURE
could change the world with just coding. You don’t need much financial capital, just some intellectual capital.” While at university, he co-founded PO Labs, a tech incubator for engineering students to build technology solutions to solve problems in communities, as well as provide training. He was soon after selected as the Google Student Ambassador for 2012 and today he is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper.
The most important step is the first one Alain said it is easy to lose motivation when trying to plan how to overcome many of the challenges of starting and growing a company. However, he has learnt that once an entrepreneur takes the first step, the solution for these challenges start to become clearer. His best advice to entrepreneurs: just get started. “There are so many challenges in Africa that can make entrepreneurs think they can’t do something. But it’s very important they just stay focused on the goal and take the first step. And everything else will start to fall into place.”
Financing the initiative To cover the costs of sending out each SMS, Alain had structured his business model so that the platform can offer advertising space to relevant parties. “We are living in a world where social entrepreneurs have to be sustainable. We can’t just keep asking for funds. So what happens is that we spend 4 CFA francs to send an SMS, and we sell advertising space to companies providing maternal and infant products.” For every SMS sent out, the advertiser pays 25 CFA francs, allowing GiftedMom enough capital to grow. Alain’s plan is to expand this platform across Cameroon and then elsewhere in Africa, with his sights specifically set on Central Africa, where newborn and pregnancy fatalities are particularly high.
An entrepreneurial mind Growing up, Alain always wanted to be a doctor. But after he started spending time in hospitals and meeting medical personnel in high school, he realised it wasn’t for him. “I noticed that I am actually a very adventurous person and the medical field is stiff… to innovate in medicine you really have to have 30 years of experience… and then I noticed the engineering field and that with engineering, particularly with IT, you
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FEATURE
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FEATURE
| SAGE PASTEL
Teaching accounting software at school prepares scholars for university and work
T
he working world has left the days of manually capturing accounting transactions far behind to take advantage of the flexibility, power and automation of accounting software. Yet many schools have yet to introduce accounting software into the classroom, some for reasons of budget and others because they don’t perceive the value that it adds to the teaching of this important subject. There is strong evidence that introducing a recognised accounting solution at school level can bring significant benefits to learners. According to a study by Emilio Boulianne of Concordia University in Quebec, Canada, students who first completed an accounting course manually and then completed the same course using accounting software experienced the best knowledge acquisition. Meanwhile, students who completed the course using only the software experienced better knowledge acquisition than students who completed the course only manually. “This illustrates that software can play a big role in helping accounting students acquire accounting skills and knowledge,” says Daryl Blundell, General Manager of Sage Pastel Accounting.
is that it helps learners to prepare for tertiary education and the working world. Blundell notes that most commerce degrees and bookkeeping certifications today place a heavy emphasis on computerisation, so students who arrive with knowledge of a software package will have an edge.
Engaging leaners through technology What’s more, says Blundell, introducing technology into the accounting classroom introduces an element of fun to the subject and makes it seem more attractive to techsavvy learners. It helps learners become more engaged with the subject because they are so accustomed to technology in their everyday lives. This is especially the case when the accounting curriculum makes use of today’s slick, attractive cloud solutions, says Blundell. Schoolchildren can even access their work from a tablet or smartphone; giving them a similar experience to the consumer apps they know and love so well, he adds. “This sort of technology makes accounting more exciting and interesting to today’s learner,” Blundell says. The most important reason, however, to introduce accounting software at school level
Accounting is a life skill “In the working world, meanwhile, there are very few businesses left that do not have accounting software in place. In addition to preparing school learners to work or study in the field of accounting, making them familiar with an accounting package helps them to develop general computer literacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills,” says Blundell. “We see accounting as a life skills subject. Schools should not only be teaching learners to pass the grade 12 exam, but also provide them with the opportunity to take their place in the knowledge economy,” says Blundell. “What they learn in the accounting classroom is the most basic and important business discipline of all, and a skill that will serve them well in nearly any career.” Accounting is a great career opportunity for school leavers because there is a shortage of
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qualified professionals in this field. Accounting prepares youngsters for a range of roles in business and makes them highly employable. But it also gives them the skills to run their own small businesses and take charge of their personal financial destiny, says Blundell. Sage Pastel Accounting has a longstanding and successful initiative for teaching basic computerised accounting and bookkeeping to learners in grades 8 to 12. The Sage Pastel Certified School Programme aims to teach learners how to use a computerised accounting solution in line with the accounting curriculum. In addition to traditional desktop software, the Programme also supports the Sage One Accounting software. It is easy to use, with no accounting jargon and an intuitive interface, and users can access it 24/7 via the Internet. Because it is a cloud-based application – used as an online service and paid for by a modest monthly subscription – Sage One Accounting also makes the latest software more affordable and accessible to schools and their learners.
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FEATURE
| M-NET • •
M-NET reveals the muchanticipated first 12 M-NET magic in motion interns
M
-Net, announced the names of the 12 interns selected for the inaugural M-Net Magic in Motion Academy, after months of anticipation, applications and deliberations, at The Venue in Sandton. The M-Net Magic in Motion Academyis a 12-month long accelerated work readiness programme for 12 interns, under the umbrella of M-Net’s rebranded corporate social investment (CSI) initiative, M-Net Magic in Motion, launched in 2014. The 2015 interns in the first-ever M-Net
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Magic in Motion Academy are: • Sandisiwe Aluta Qupa (AFDA JHB) • Palesa Rathebe (AFDA JHB) • Yalezo Njuguna ( UJ) • ThembaTwala (WITS) • Ignatius Shongwe (AFDA JHB) • Reitumetse Mataboge (AFDA JHB) • Thembalethu Mfebe (UCT) • Kabelo Ramputa (Boston Media House) • Mbali Zulu (UJ) • Lele Dinte (AFDA JHB)
Mark Madai (AFDA CT) Sivela Mgudu (CPUT)
Entry into the M-Net Magic in Motion Academy was structured on accredited universities and institutions submitting their top achievers, having met the criteria of being a B-average student, and in the final year of study towards a three year film, television or media qualification. M-Net Corporate Affairs Director, Kershnee Govender says, “It is through the dedication and commitment from the universities, we received the highest calibre of students for the first intake. We were overwhelmed at the response we received – after a nation-wide call to entry, we received over 200 applications.” According to Govender, the M-Net Magic in Motion Academy is one example of M-Net’s commitment to developing local talent in the film and television industry. “Sustainable development is the cornerstone of corporate social investment and when a company invests in initiatives that address an identified need, it paves the way to implement programmes that will provide a sustainable solution for the recipients, and in our case, for the industry as a whole. CSI is no longer seen as just a charitable gesture, there is a strong move towards having a solid strategy and industry partnerships that align with the business objectives and beneficiary needs.” The 12 interns will be coached, mentored and assessed through-out the 12-month programme. Academy Director, Bobby Heaney says that the interns will have the privilege of attending regular specialist run sessions during the year, benefitting from the experience of top professionals in the industry. Selection Criteria The announcement for the first intake
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M-NET
| FEATURE
of interns was made after a three month rigorous selection process. Applications were set against very strict criteria and had to be approved by an M-Net selection panel comprised of Heaney, the M-Net Corporate Affairs team and M-Net Human Resources. From the initial entries, 60 applicants were shortlisted for the next round of the selection process, after much deliberation. After interviews and evaluations, the group of 60 was further shortlisted to 20, on whom video interviews and psychometric tests were conducted, for the final selection of 12. What lies ahead? The 12 interns arrived at M-Net’s offices on 2 March 2015 for a two-week long, indepth induction into M-Net’s business. The selected interns will now gain thorough, practical knowledge of the profession after working systematically through the various departments of the film and television production. This month, they travel to Cape Town, to work on the set of M-Net’s new reality series, Power Couple. The interns then move on to the Miss South Africa pageant, following which they are split across various productions, ensuring that each intern spends at least one month of focused training on a different production discipline in a covering all genres, mentored by the country’s best. The academy programme, which Heaney designed in collaboration with M-Net, ensures that the 12 interns cover all genres of television production including: live shows, scripted dramas, reality and actuality; working on major M-Net shows like: MasterChef SA, Miss South Africa, Isibaya, Zabalaza, Binnelanders, Carte Blanche, Big Brother and various others.
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Kershnee Govender with Bobby Heaney
M-Net Magic in Motion is M-Net’s Corporate Social Investment initiative focused on developing the local talent pipeline for the film and television industry
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WHY CONSIDER A CAREER IN RETAIL? Who are we? Massmart drives excellence to achieve price leadership in the distribution of branded consumer goods through an exceptional multi-format wholesale and retail portfolio. • M assmart develops and nurtures talent at all levels. • High performance is recognized and rewarded. • Massmart is the home of career retailers. • We offer local and global retail careers.
Massmart Graduate Development Programme • A year of training at NQF level with Wits Business School and UCS retail academy • Develop foundational management and retail skills
Fields of study? • • • • • • • • • • •
Business Management Business Science Accounting (General) Finance Economics Statistics/Mathematics Supply Chain Management Information Systems/Technology Industrial Engineering Marketing Human Resources
Selection criteria • Minimum 60% third year average. • A keen interest in retail, willing to roll up your sleeves, high levels of energy, good interpersonal skills and entrepreneurial flair.
The selection process • A pply | Telephonic interview | Psychometric assessments | Face-to-face Interview | Background checks | OFFER!!
COVER STORY
| PORTIA SEHLAKE
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PORTIA SEHLAKE
| COVER STORY
Portia Sehlake:
A young lady’s dream to conquer the Oil Industry.
T
ell us who Portia Sehlake is in a nutshell? Portia Sehlake is a young woman from a township called Ga-Rankuwa near North West Province in South Africa. I’m always on the move looking for the next big thing. I love running races, travelling and exploring new places, my friends will describe me as very adventurous and eager. Can you tell us more about your formative years as a young woman growing up in South Africa, as you remember it then? I grew up in the generation where children played outside on the streets and only go home for lunch and dinner. Some of the toys I played with were not from the shops; I remember my sister and I used to build wire cars with the the boys in our neighbourhood, used boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes to create school bags when we played house and the skipping rope being the ultimate game, it was so much fun. I’m from a family with very strong beliefs in culture and traditions so at a young age I was taught how to cook, clean and do all house chores (skills that are paying off now). Education is important and I was never deprived the opportunity to go to school. Growing up in South Africa as a young woman was and is fantastic. What inspired you to pursue a career in Engineering? I do not recall ever wanting to be in the engineering field during my studies, in fact I hold a postgraduate degree in Geology. Growing up in my community, engineering was not advocated to women as a suitable career path like it is today, as a result I didn’t study towards an engineering degree. However, my interest came to light when I realised how different engineering actually is from the notion that was painted in my head from school. It is not about
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being an electrician or a mechanic, it is about innovation. It was during one of the career fairs held at the University of Pretoria during the Baker Hughes presentation that I got introduced to the oil and gas industry. I saw an opportunity when the representative from the company said “We will train you to be an engineer even with a BSc in Geology”, I grew more curious and wanted to know more about this industry. After the presentation I went on to the company’s’ website, read more about the graduate programme and degrees recognised in order to be eligible to be part of the programme. I drafted my resume and cover letter, I then applied online and sent follow up emails. I was then invited for an intensive 3 days from where I was offered a placement in the graduate programme, this was the start of my engineering career.
“I have always known that I would achieve whichever goal I set in my life but nothing has prepared me for the opportunities that came with working for Baker Hughes. I had always pictured myself working in the mining industry locally. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had thus far and proud of my accomplishments as a result of grabbing every single opportunity with both hands.” - Portia Sehlake
After joining Baker Hughes you participated in its prestigious graduate field engineer programme. Kindly share with us your experience and how the programme prepared you for future challenges. The LEAD graduate programme is set up in a way that one will learn, excel, achieve and develop and this is continuous. The first year of the programme is spent in a workshop, instructor lead and field training. Spending 4 months in a workshop in a busy district learning how to assemble and disassemble tools helped me gain full insight and understanding of how the tools function, preparing me to know exactly what to do or what advice to give should a tool fail on location. The second year is spent in the field running jobs solo, with the 3rd year focused on acquiring insight on the business side of things, working closely with the tender teams. All this prepared me well to deal with future challenges. I learnt that there is a difference between interest and commitment, when you are interested in something, you do it only when it is convenient. When you are committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results. You are currently the Field Engineer –PL, for Baker Hughes South Africa. Describe what you do in your current work situation. I’m currently a Sand Control Field Engineer for Completions PL. I get involved in different aspects of the product line, from assisting in tender preparations where a client comes with a problem or rather a challenge they faced with and it requires us to provide the best solution to resolve the challenge, to quotation preparations for tools to be used and services rendered. I help design completion system for customers, providing solutions on how the well they have drilled can be completed and
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COVER STORY
| PORTIA SEHLAKE
be ready for production. As a sand control engineer I focus on making sure that the hydrocarbons to be produced carry as little or no formation sand as possible. So once a wellbore has been drilled to access the reservoir, core samples are taken in and sieve analysis conducted to determine the grain size distribution of the sand. Once the grain size is known I can then use that information to select the type of filtration technique required to contain formation sand grains. I’ll then select sand control methods to prevent sand production by placing either only screens as primary filters or screens in conjunction with gravel or frac-pack as a primary filter. Once the solution has been provided with relevant tools selected, I go to the rig to run/place these tools in the wellbore and see to it that the objective is met and that the customer is happy. In a nutshell I help customers design their wells for the completion phase in a way that they produce sand free hydrocarbons, prevent equipment erosion and this in turn saves them money. What drives you to succeed and what is the one thing you really like about working for Baker Hughes? I am stubborn about my goals but flexible about my methods. I want to be an expert at what I do, my passion for innovation and solution driven mind-set drives me to succeed. Working for a company that recognises career development of their employees and giving fair amount of opportunities to learn and apply skills all over the world. Travelling and getting international recognition. What are some of your highlights and adversities you have faced in pursuit of an engineering career? I was given the opportunity to participate in the field engineer international assignment programme, I got a chance to live and work in the USA for 2 years gaining first-hand experience of the oil and gas industry, learned different cultures, adopted a different working culture. This improved my communication skills and confidence which I now use to interact with people from different cultural background. Some of the challenges I’ve faced was being undermined in a workshop that I’m a woman and cannot jump on a wrench to break a tool connection, so constantly having to work extra hard than my male counterparts to prove a point was and continues to be a challenge. In your mind as a young person, did you
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by profession to have a true understanding of the impact engineers make in the world. With the internet being so easily accessible nowadays than before, you can go on social media sites such as LinkedIn and search for engineering professionals and inbox them to ask if they can share their typical day to day work related duties (trust me you’ll be surprised at the responses). Watch Ted Talks to listen to innovative ideas about engineering and get to see the ample opportunities that exist out there for a young aspiring engineer to take part in.
ever imagine you were going to accomplish as much as you have today? I have always known that I would achieve whichever goal I set in my life but nothing has prepared me for the opportunities that came with working for Baker Hughes. I had always pictured myself working in the mining industry locally. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had thus far and proud of my accomplishments as a result of grabbing every single opportunity with both hands. How can companies like Baker Hughes attract more young women to pursue careers in sciences and engineering? By sending young female scientists or engineers that are already in the graduate programme to schools to share their stories and motivate young women. I think initiatives such as the “take a girl child to work” day should be replaced by “shadow an engineer/ scientist day” to attract young women to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Engineering plays a vital role to the development of societies and growth of economies. How can governments stimulate enrolments in science and engineering for the benefit of the continent at large? Firstly governments need to provide a hands on platform for engineers to engage with the society, show them the role science and engineering plays in their day to day lives so that people can appreciate it and become interested in learning more. Also, making it compulsory for schools to have dedicated mentorship programmes to educate learners about science and engineering and what career options are there. What advice can you render to young Africans about the importance of education? Education doesn’t end in the classrooms! Education opens doors to a bright future. It is through education that we learn how things work and by learning we are able to ask the questions how and why, through such questions we are able to deduce/ derive solutions, solutions that may solve community problems. You can be robbed off of everything in this world but no man can take away the knowledge gained from education. Sometimes you wish it was easier, but if it was, everyone else would do it, then you remember you don’t want to be like everyone else.
You are an inspiration to young people out there, what words of advice do you have for aspiring young engineers? Quoting Jerry Dunn “do not limit your challenges, challenge your limits”. Don’t be afraid of change and challenges (those two go hand in hand). Do research on the kind of engineering career you want to pursue, get in touch with people who are already engineers
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Tevaughnay Van Wyk
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PROFILE
1293W
BAC Stands Out The Botswana Accountancy College is a business school in Botswana established in 1996. BAC asserts itself as a center for excellence in the Southern African region and beyond. The college is characterised by the quality of its programs and their relevance to the global economy. BAC provides the highest quality education in Accountancy, Computing, Business, Leisure, Insurance and Taxation. With two main campuses, located in Gaborone and Francistown, the College is led by the Executive Director Mr Michael Lesolle. BAC strives to provide students with the capabilities and skills which position them as future leaders and effective participators in the country’s wealth creation. Arguably one of only very few tertiary institutions of its kind in the Southern African region, BAC offers a differentiated business model underpinned by a diversified suite of courseware in our portfolio of offerings. The College has established itself as a leader in the tertiary education space and continues to consistently work towards playing a significant role in Botswana’s tertiary education landscape.
School Of Finance and Professional Studies Programs: • CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) • ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) • AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) • CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) • BICA (Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants) Undergraduate Programs
The College offers globally recognised and accredited professional qualifications, promoting Botswana’s standing as a knowledge-based society, and was established with the primary objective of reducing reliance on expatriate accountants and, in the long term, to be a self-funding project. BAC drives towards skills development at national level, namely skills capacity building and transformation of the Botswana economy in line with the concept of quality performance in the ‘new order’ of the knowledge economy.
School of Business & Leisure • BA( Hons) Accounting & Finance • BA (Hons) Business Management • BA (Hons) Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship • BA (Hons) Tourism Management • BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management • BA (Hons) International Saloon Management specialising in Beauty Therapy • BA (Hons) International Saloon Management specialising in Hair Dressing
Global Partnerships with recognised Universities Over the past few years BAC has developed meaningful and lasting relationships with prominent universities abroad. BAC’s international reach continues to extend outwards with positive results. With a core strategy of positioning itself currently “To be a vibrant and leading College providing business education, recognised in Africa and beyond for commitment to excellence and stakeholder relevance in teaching, research and community engagement”, the College therefore invests significantly in ensuring that it procures from the best pool of global human capital and professional lecturing team of the highest calibre.
Programs
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The College offers specialized programs at various levels that comprise of, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional Accounting and professional short courses. These academic offerings provide students with access to critical academic thinking, leadership and service opportunities throughout their period of study.
School of Computing and Information Systems • BSc (Hons) Applied Business Computing • BSc (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering Postgraduate Programs • MSc Strategic Management • MBA – AACA/CIMA Top Up • MSc Information Technology Management • MSc Project Management Along with the above programs, BAC offers a number of short executive leadership courses for corporate clients, including: • Enterprise Risk Management • Islamic Finance • Certificate in Public Sector Procurement and Tender Process Management • Insurance • Advanced Taxation • Balanced Scorecard Training
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The Bookery set to open another library
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he Bookery, an NGO that creates and supports fully functional school libraries in South Africa, has grown abundantly since its establishment in March 2010. The aim is to fix the shortage of school libraries by accepting book donations from the public and entities. The Bookery has created 40 fully functional libraries containing a minimum of three books per learner in the Western Cape alone and is currently busy with more. The Bookery is set to open a new library at Heatherdale Primary School in Athlone, Cape Town. In line with our mission of “bringing the school library to life”, the opening of this library is the first step towards the creation of a sustained and collaborative effort with government and other NGOs in a creating a scalable model that will address the dismissal levels of literacy and numeracy in many of our country’s public schools. The Bookery set to open another library The Bookery, is set to open a library at Heatherdale Primary School on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 2pm. Amongst the attendees will be the MEC of the Western Cape Education Department
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Debbie Schafer, UK Aid representative Susie Mossatt, guest speaker Fadeelah Davids and some the University of the Western Cape Library Science and Information professors. The activities planned for the day include a performance from the school choir lead by Music Educator Mr Bourne and a poetry recital and book reading by the learners. Heatherdale Primary situated in Athlone was established about 90 years ago and the current principal Ms Theresa Le Grange has been holding the fort for 12 years. They have seen a need for better internal reading and writing facilities at the kids’ disposal. School Library Assistant at Heatherdale Mr Sean Geldenhuys, says he “expects the school library to promote children reading for leisure and to create more educational possibilities in the community”. The opening falls in with the celebration of South African library week and The Bookery’s Executive Project Manager Cosmas Mabeya says, “This is a profound way to celebrate this week; the Heatherdale school library is a special project as it brings together one of The Bookery’s most important partnerships for the future.”
Library assistant Sean Glendehuys and PR intern at The Bookery Sharon Moatshe
“This is a profound way to celebrate this week; the Heatherdale school library is a special project as it brings together one of The Bookery’s most important partnerships for the future.” - Cosmas Mabeya, Executive Project Manager , The Bookery
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Tevaughnay Van Wyk
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/
PROFILE
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FEATURE
| SAM KODO
Meet the computer whizz from Togo who built his first robot at age seven
“When I went to university I realised there was a serious lack of tools to do my homework and university studies. So I decided to make my own computer so that it could help me work properly.” - Sam Kodo Founder, Infinite Loop
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“I could make many, many things with that,” said Sam Kodo, looking at a Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. Where most people see only a phone, 23-year-old Kodo sees a combination of components that can be taken apart and used to make a PC, or a robot that plays football. But then again, he is not like most people. Kodo was just seven when he started building his first robot that could both circumvent obstacles and interact with people. Born and raised in Togo, his father was a physics lecturer at the University of Lomé and Kodo would enjoy many hours in the library studying formulas and equations. It was here that he just fell in love with electronics. It didn’t take long for his parents to realise he had a talent, and both did their best to support his passion. Without access to many new parts required to build some of the things he wanted, both helped him find components he could re-use from brokendown appliances, such as old TVs. He recalls how his mother would give him money to buy toys as a child just so he could take them apart and build his own inventions. “I want to take the opportunity to thank my mom,” he said. “And I was also very fortunate to have my dad help me find the right parts I needed. And then I was also able to go to libraries and just
educate myself.” By the age of 15, Kodo’s robots could recognise faces and objects, speak, execute orders and even play football. And it wasn’t long before he created his first smartphone and PC.
Low-cost computers for Africa Today Kodo is the founder of Infinite Loop, a company that locally produces low-cost personal computers for students. His miniature computers, called the Lifebook PC, are small enough to fit into a pocket, and they have to be plugged into TVs or mobile phones to turn them into a functional internet-enabled desktop PC. They are sold for a fraction of the price of other PCs in the market (under US$90) and cost around half the amount to produce. Kodo’s work has caught the attention of international media, and last year he was named one of 12 finalists of the Anzisha Prize, an award for African entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 22. His inspiration for creating his own PCs
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SAM KODO
came from a need he identified at university. “When I went to university I realised there was a serious lack of tools to do my homework and university studies. So I decided to make my own computer so that it could help me work properly.” This soon caught the attention of other students with similar interests. “I was fortunate enough to team up with others who had the same talent, and we created the company that is now called Infinite Loop.” The start-up employs six people and has sold around 50 computers in Togo, which Kodo said is still their first version. “We plan to create many versions, and have many other projects for Africa too.”
Teams are everything Kodo looks up to the likes of technology pioneers Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, and makes use of some of the lessons they have learnt in their careers. For starters, he acknowledges that there is more to building a business empire than being
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able to produce something innovative or being a computer whizz. “Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg might not have particularly been good businessmen or good administrators or even good at marketing, but what they did was they surrounded themselves with people who have the competencies and skills to turn their [innovations and computer skills] into a company,” he noted. Kodo’s business partner has been his friend since childhood, and has studied commerce. He explained they have complementary skills, which they use to make joint business decisions. “When you choose a business partner, choose someone who complements you – not someone with the same skills – and someone who can add value to the business,” is his advice.
Be curious, do not fear failure
| FEATURE
solve some key problems on the continent. Above all he wants his PCs to be affordable so everyone can benefit from them. “With the computer I’ve created it’s important to remember there was a purpose behind this type of computer. It’s accessible and not expensive. Pretty much any student who’d like to purchase a computer like this can do so.” He advises other African entrepreneurs to “be curious, enquire, learn, and always be original” in whatever they do. He added it will also be easier for them to succeed if they love what they do, and they should not let the fear of failure prevent them from starting. “Just think about it. If you fail, at least you have tried. There are a lot of people who have ideas but never try,” Kodo commented. “Even if you fail, you are already one step better off in life than those who don’t even try.”
According to Kodo, technology – such as mobile phones or PCs – has the ability to
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FEATURE
| HOMESTYLE EGG SALAD
Homestyle egg salad What you’ll need • • • • • • • • •
1 dozen large eggs 1 Tbsp finely chopped red onion 1 stalk celery, finely diced 3 Tbsp mayonnaise 2 tsp chopped fresh dill 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper
let’s do it 1. Place the eggs into a large pot and add enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1”. Place the pot over high heat and allow the
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water to come to a full rolling boil. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the eggs to simmer for exactly 2 minutes—set a timer! 2. Next, remove the pot from the heat, cover and reset the timer for 10 minutes. Allow the eggs to sit undisturbed in the hot water until the timer goes off, then drain. Run the eggs under cold water or submerge them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, peel and chop the eggs then add them to a large mixing bowl. 3. In a separate small mixing bowl, stir together the red onion, celery, mayonnaise, dill, Dijon
mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Once the dressing is completely combined, pour it over the chopped eggs and fold gently until it’s fully incorporated into the eggs. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
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SPICE CAKE
| FEATURE
Scrambled egg muffins with smoked salmon & soured cream - A posh breakfast or brunch What you’ll need • • • • • • • • •
4 large free-range eggs, preferably freerange or organic sea salt freshly ground black pepper 4 muffins, halved 20 g butter, plus a little extra 8 slices smoked salmon, from sustainable sources, ask your fishmonger 140 ml soured cream 1 small bunch fresh chives, finely chopped 1 lemon, quartered
Let’s do it! Crack the eggs into a bowl, whisk them lightly
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and season them with salt and pepper. Put your muffins in the toaster, ready for action. Melt half the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat until bubbling, then tip the eggs in. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon, getting right into the edges. Cook until the runny egg starts to thicken. Turn the heat off when the eggs are still slightly undercooked – they will keep on cooking in the warm pan while you’re toasting and buttering your muffins. Stir the rest of the butter into the eggs. Place the buttered muffin halves on individual plates and cover each one with a spoonful of scrambled egg. Drape a slice of salmon over each muffin half, dollop some soured cream on top and sprinkle with
chopped chives and a twist of black pepper. Serve with your lemon wedges and a nice cup of tea – or a glass of something fizzy. Tip: To make things easier, toast your muffins first and keep them warm in the oven.
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FEATURE
| RESPUBLICA
Top tips for choosing student accommodation
S
etting your child up for tertiary education seems like a lot of hurrying up and waiting and then panicking to tick everything off the to-do list in the few days immediately after matric results are announced. One of the top items on that to-do list is finding accommodation for students, once they have been accepted to study at an institution far from home. The universities and FET colleges simply do not have enough accommodation on campus for all their students, and it falls on students, and their parents, to find a suitable spot for them to live and study for the duration of their tertiary education. “The student lifestyle is multi-faceted, and accommodation should offer all the facilities that students need in what is, for many, their first experience of living away from home,” says Craig McMurray, CEO of Respublica, one of the country’s leading providers of student accommodation. “A student’s living environment plays as large a role in the success of their tertiary education
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as their learning environment does, as this is where they learn to manage their time, their relationships, and their commitment to their studies without the supervision of their parents.” “It is vital for the success of their studies that they live in a secure environment that
“With so much being invested in tuition fees, it makes simple, logical sense to make sure that students are living in an environment where they don’t have to worry about security, laundry, infrastructure, or how they’re going to get to classes.” - Craig McMurray, CEO of Respublica
affords them both the privacy and quiet they need to study, as well as the social and infrastructural support that they need to survive away from home. This includes everything from social environments and activities to the convenience of access to laundromats, food and other services like WiFi and on site gyms for exercise.”
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RESPUBLICA
Choosing accommodation is about so much more than finding the cheapest possible spot within striking distance of the student’s lectures. Respublica offers some tips to make it easier to identify the best location. 1. All above board: Even though universities and FET colleges don’t own enough accommodation for all their students, they do accredit independent residence operators who offer suitable accommodation to supplement campus residences. If you are engaging with a student accommodation landlord, check that they are accredited by the institution you’re engaging with, to be sure that rentals are fair, the accommodation is suitable, and that you are dealing with a reputable landlord. 2. Safety and security: Students should feel as safe when they’re in their accommodation as they do when they’re at home – so check that the facility that you’re considering has suitable security, both to protect the student’s belongings, and to protect their person too. 3. Pricing vs value: Shop around for the best deal – but also consider that the cheapest option may not necessarily be the best. Make sure you have considered all the potential costs as there are often hidden expenses not included in the basic fee (utilities, wifi, laundry, residence life activities etc) that cause costs to escalate. Fully fitted accommodation ensures parents and students don’t need to invest in appliances, desks, cupboards or beds. If you’re investing so much in your child’s education, it makes sense to make sure that they live in an environment in which they have the privacy, security, and ideal living conditions in which to keep their end of the deal: to study.
| FEATURE
the basics such as beds, built in cupboards, lockers for valuables and a desk, all of which should be in good repair. Reputable operators, like Respublica, provide fully serviced apartments with fully fitted rooms and kitchens that are also cleaned weekly.
as far as offering comprehensive residence life programs. These provide students with a strong sense of community and support through co-curricular and residence education programs and activities designed to enhance their experience at university.
6. Living the lifestyle: Being a student is about so much more than just studying – it’s about building relationships and debating the meaning of life until strange hours of the morning. Make sure that your chosen facility has common areas where students can relax and socialise – while being confident that they’re doing so in safety. Operators like Respublica who take student accommodation seriously, are now going
7. Healthy body, healthy mind: Choose a facility that offers catering for residents – even if it is just for one balanced meal each day, with the student being responsible for their other meals while on campus. First prize is a facility that includes a gym or other exercise options too. 8. Top technology: Gone are the days where students could complete assignments by spending hours in the library. The internet age has made more information more accessible, and your student should have ready and easy access to the online world. Does your chosen facility offer WiFi and broadband access? A ‘yes’ answer to this question is no longer a nice-to-have, but is rather an essential. “Keeping this checklist close while you’re shopping around for accommodation will mean that your student will be living in a safe, secure and nurturing environment that will make it easier for them to achieve the most out of student life,” says McMurray. “With so much being invested in tuition fees, it makes simple, logical sense to make sure that students are living in an environment where they don’t have to worry about security, laundry, infrastructure, or how they’re going to get to classes. Students who have to worry about these basics are often the ones who drop out of studies, adversely impacting their lives, in some cases irreversibly, and the lives of parents and sometimes wider communities who have made huge sacrifices to pay for their tuition.”
4. Keep it close: Look for accommodation that is close to campus, or at the very least, that is close to public transport that offers easy access to classes. Research the city, as there are increasingly greater options to choose from – for example in Johannesburg, students can travel by taxi, the Rea Vaya bus system, or the Metro Bus system, as well as the Gautrain or metered taxi services. 5. Creature comforts: It’s the creature comforts that make it easier to stay in and study, and the accommodation you choose should include
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FEATURE
| CAREERS IN AFRICA
Global Career Company’s Careers in Africa Initiative Travels from Johannesburg to London to Close Africa’s Talent Gap
A
s more of the continent benefits from economic growth that is the envy of the world, Africa’s need for professional talent to fulfil its potential is a great as ever. With recent surveys by the likes of PwC and EY concluding that the availability of skills remains a key concern for CEOs operating in the region, the race is on for employers to make the most of all available pools of exceptional African talent. Enter into this story Global Career Company, for 13 years the recruiters of African talent from around the world. Their November 2014 Careers in Africa Summit in Johannesburg was attended by more than 600 professionals from across the SADC looking for opportunities in their home countries with more than 15 recruiting employers. Headline sponsor Citi stood out among the employers, with a delegation headed by Sub-Saharan Africa CEO Ade Ayeyemi. As the Careers in Africa series moves on to London in May 2015, key trends in the sourcing of African talent to meet the needs of businesses can be observed. The Careers in Africa Summit in London was first held in 2002, when Global Career Company was founded on the premise that the best talent for African business was African. This is a theme picked up by EY in their recent ‘Realising Potential’ study, where it was observed that the replacement of expatriates with African talent is a key objective for business leaders. Certainly, expatriate talent has played, and continues to play a valuable role in African business, particularly when organisations focus on knowledge and skills transfer so what is brought by the expatriate workforce is built on by local talent, but the
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future of African business lies elsewhere. Where Careers in Africa in London fits into this picture is in the recruitment of the skilled Diaspora for roles in Africa. With more and more employers looking to the Diaspora as a talent pool, the organisations that have supported Global Career Company’s initiative since 2002 are those ahead of the curve. At London, those organisations will include longstanding Careers in Africa participants Nigerian Breweries and Lafarge, who are among the main sponsors in 2015. The participation of both is a perfect example of the diversity of talent available to African business in London, and the range of opportunities presented to that talent. These firms will join up to 30 others, representing a cross section of African regions and industries. Finance, the most prominent sector at Johannesburg in 2014, will again feature heavily in London, given that city’s status as a financial hub, with FMCG, ICT, Professional Services and Agri-Business institutions also looking to recruit from an attendee pool of around 1,000 pre-selected African professionals through arranged and spontaneous interviews. This format, candidate pre-selection and interview pre-scheduling, preferred by Global Career Company since its inception, is one the company believes in very deeply, not just, says Client Services Director Sana Chakir, for the recruiting efficiency it brings supporting clients, “We believe that serious African professionals should be attending our events for serious recruitment opportunities. Of course, this favours our clients, who want to
spend their time engaging with the types of professionals they are really looking for, but it is our firm belief that even in an event setting, the talent gap will be closed by a proper recruitment process, and that our candidates deserve nothing less.” This is something Chakir feels is more important than ever, particularly now that inceaing numbers employers are seeing the potential of the Diaspora as a talent source. “While the increased awareness has certainly benefitted Global Career Company, it has also created a few event and recruitment companies trying to do similar things. Increased competition is a good thing when it’s reflective of greater opportunities for our candidates, but not all recruitment agencies holding events for the Diaspora are providing what we feel is a really serious recruitment option, preferring instead to focus on career fairs, exhibitions and speed dating.” Chakir is adamant that the value of the Diaspora as a talent source will only be realised if the recruitment approach is not mishandled, as both candidates and clients are disappointed when interactions are not of the required standard. Indeed, Global Career Company is taking steps in 2015 to ensure that the quality of Diaspora recruitment processes and propositions continues to increase within
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CAREERS IN AFRICA
| FEATURE
career websites, you have more opportunities than ever to find out about prospective employers and to engage them directly. You can research their brand, what they offer, how they communicate, what their leaders are talking about. You can even engage their team in discussions around posted content. In this environment, consider the best way to appear credible and to stand out. You have to research, appear professional and know what you are talking about, because while technology gives you the chance to find out more, it also means you’re expected to take that opportunity, because your competition will.
its own pool of partners and clients, by hosting its Talent Agenda Series conference in London alongside the Summit. “At the conference,” comments Chakir, “HR leaders come together to discuss best practices and work out how they can successfully bring the best African talent into their organisations. This year differentiation is going to be a key theme.” Differentiation for employers, recruitment agencies and candidates, as in a competitive talent market, the best employers get the best talent, who get the best roles, and all but the best agencies are left behind. Perhaps best is the wrong word here, though, as this differentiation is not only about excellence, but also fit; rightness. “Employers and prospective employees need to differentiate themselves from the other options out there,” says Chakir. “We are all looking to prove that we can be successful together, and that is not just about our skills and qualifications, but also how we are able to engage one another, to be the right cultural fit, to be interested in working together for the long term.” This process begins long before an employee starts life with an employer. For their part, candidates are seeking to market their skills, their personality and beliefs as
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effectively as possible from the application stage. The employer too is trying to showcase a proposition, known as an Employer Value Proposition or Talent Brand, which is attractive to the type of talent it is looking for. At the Careers in Africa Summit in London, this engagement will begin in earnest in the pre-Summit branding and application process, before moving into the exhibition room and interviews. Here employers looking to make the most of growth opportunities in Africa will find the people who will do it for them, as the race to recruit the best African talent heats up once again. 15th Careers in Africa Recruitment Summit, London, 15-17th May 2015 Apply online at careersinafrica.com Global Career Company’s Client Services Director, Sana Chakir, has the following advice for professionals in the Diaspora looking to build a career in Africa. Market Yourself Present your skills as effectively as possible, in the right places, by registering with career sites such as careersinafrica.com and maintaining social media profiles. Ensure your records are kept up to date, as recruitment consultants and employers can only offer you the type of roles your profile appears to match.
Be Discerning Given that you can now see beneath the surface of an employer or a recruitment agent, you can ensure they are what you are looking for before beginning the process. Time is precious. Your career is precious. Why would you spend either with the wrong employer, or working with the wrong recruiter? Be Dedicated In a competitive talent market, you have to show dedication to get the role you deserve. Whether it’s in researching and applying for sufficient roles to find the right one, or in completing follow-ups, application forms and interview preparations to the best of your ability, dedication will help you stand out. Even in social media interactions, taking to time to personalise approaches or to respond to job posts in a way that shows you care will help you be successful. Did you send a cover letter when you last applied for a job? If not, consider whether that decision makes your success more or less likely. Expect Discernment, Dedication and Engagement from your Recruiter There are a world of recruiters out there and many, many good ones. When selecting the recruiters who will support you in finding your next role, apply the highest standards. Expect from them everything you expect from yourself, and don’t spend your time with those who fall short of your standards. Move on, there are better out there, and whatever you do, don’t work with recruiters who charge money. Proper recruiters charge your future employer for your brilliant skills, they don’t charge you.
Expect to Engage Thanks to social media and company
AFRICAN SCHOLAR | 37
FEATURE
| ABB
ABB JDF scholarship recipients: a shining example for engineering students on the African continent
T
he ABB Jürgen Dormann Foundation for Engineering Education (JDF) provides scholarships to electrical engineering students around the world who can prove a high standard of academic achievement, but lack the financial support to be able to continue their studies. The foundation is named after Jürgen Dormann in recognition of his contribution as former Chairman and CEO of ABB. The prestigious award has been granted to students in 10 countries who have commendable academic accomplishments and for the first time, it is being extended to high-performing engineering students on the African continent. The scholarships are awarded for a maximum of five years of study and have already been given to students at partner universities in Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Mexico, Malaysia, Poland, Turkey, Vietnam and Indonesia. The programme aligns strategically with the ABB Next Level Strategy and the unwavering commitment to growth and development on the African continent. At the inaugural signing ceremony that took place at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Campus, Professor Johan Meyer applauded ABB for giving students a chance that he described as an opportunity of a lifetime. The esteemed professor also
38 | AFRICAN SCHOLAR
highlighted the pivotal role that ABB has played in shaping the lives and careers of many young students. “This is a momentous occasion for the University of Johannesburg,” he said. I commend ABB for taking a step in the right direction to bridge the gap between education and industry. There is a shortage of such candid acts and genuine Corporate Social Responsibility.” The recipients Mervin Munsamy, Country Human Resources Manager at will conduct their ABB Southern Africa (Centre) and Professor Meyer, Head of experiential learning Electrical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg at ABB during their (Left) and Gareth Koopman (Right) scheduled school break and will get the opportunity to bridge the gap between their theoretical studies and practical training provided by mentors at the ABB Campus “This initiative is intended in Longmeadow. The scholarship will cover to contribute to furthering tuition fees and on-the-job training. the field of engineering and The event was spearheaded by Mervin Munsamy, Country Human Resources Manager is a great opportunity for at ABB South Africa and Professor Meyer, Head the scholars. There is no of Electrical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg on November 15 2014. The obligation on ABB to hire programme became effective from January them once they qualify but 2015. we will monitor and support “This initiative is intended to contribute to furthering the field of engineering and is their development carefully” a great opportunity for the scholars. There is - Mervin Munsamy, Country Human no obligation on ABB to hire them once they Resources Manager, qualify but we will monitor and support their ABB South Africa development carefully,” said Munsamy.
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ABB
| FEATURE
Discovering ABB is even better on the inside. Graduate opportunities With some 140,000 people in over 100 countries, the facts speak volumes about ABB but they are far from the full story. Our innovation, passion and collaboration need to be experienced for themselves. As you will discover as a graduate here, these qualities add up to a diverse, multi-cultural environment where your ideas will be heard and your talents developed. Discover the difference your initiative, drive and passion for technology could make, and why a better world begins with you at www.abb.co.za/careers
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Our business. Your legacy.
AFRICAN SCHOLAR | 39
Elite International Careers www.eliteic.net
FIND A JOB YOU’LL LOVE Do you like hearing about career success stories? At Elite International Careers Group your story can have voice. We specialise in supporting Multinationals and large companies to localise their workforce (you) in emerging and developing markets. Our team has been providing localisation recruitment services in emerging markets for over 8 years. We are local content compliant in several markets with companies in Angola, Mozambique, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, South Arabia and the United Kingdom.
A few companies that trust us & use our services
Oil & Gas
Total Baker Hughes Schlumberger Chevron GE & GE-GLS Halliburton
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Coca-Cola Unilever
Why you should join our community Meet top companies on site and online Get in touch with our best consultants that will guide you into a successful career Networking sessions Maximum exposure and visibility worldwide
Our Services • Recruitment Events • Search & Selection • Digital Recruitment
Corporate presentations Careers advise content
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Some of our success stories I had a very productive experience at the Elite Recruitment Summit. I decided to attend the event, despite not having any interviews pre-booked, I had a good CV and a ‘go-getter’ attitude. Chevron was an easy choice for me, they are one of the most successful companies within the industry in which operate, and are ranked among the top 3 in the “Fortune 500” list. Zandra Calisto - Recruted by Chevron, 2014
Elite’s well respected reputation within the Angolan market drove me to submit my application to attend one of their Recruitment Forums. The experience was extremely positive, not only did I have the opportunity to showcase my CV and skills to a wide range of companies, the event was also a great occasion to network with my peers and to grow my professional contacts. Muanza Bento - Recruted by ENI, 2013
We have been working with Elite for 6 years in job fair events with very positive results and have recently used their Search & Selection services. The service provided was very good and professional and achieved the objective we had. Taniana Maximino HR Manager, FMC Kongsberg
Elite is truly a partner in finding talent for Aon. They can always reach the exact market we look for and present information in a way that saves us precious time. Tiago Dá Mesquita Country Manager, AON Angola
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linkedin.com/company/eliteinternational-careers twitter.com/UniteExcellence youtube.com/user/ UnitingExcellence AFRICAN SCHOLAR | 41
FEATURE
| SOUTH AFRICAN EDUCATION
South African education:
Improving the bottom line via technology 42 | AFRICAN SCHOLAR
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SOUTH AFRICAN EDUCATION
T
he 2014 matric results were released last week, where the national pass rate of 75.8% was down 2.4% compared to previous year’s results. With this in mind, Kobus van Wyk, Head of e-Learning at Mustek Limited, weighs in on the state of South Africa’s education system, the tools and skills needed to improve it, and how he sees South African education evolving over the next few years, with a key focus on the use of technology in the class room. 1. Looking back to 2014, what do you believe was the biggest success and failure in the education space in SA? Following the announcement of the matric results, there is continued concern about the state of education in South Africa. Perhaps more significant than the declining pass rate, the quality of passes and the plummeting performance in subjects like Mathematics and Science is alarming. This impacts not only on career prospects for learners, but also on the nation’s ability to build a competent workforce. The bottom line for education remains educational outcomes like matric results, and unless the bottom line improves, the talks, rationalisation and efforts to remedy the situation are of little value. The biggest downfall in South Africa’s education is the failure to improve this bottom line and thus the quality of education in the country. 2. What would you attribute the 2014 lower matric pass rate to, and what is your biggest concern about these results? The main factor is the poor quality of teaching and lack of appropriately skilled teachers across all phases of education. It is just as important that a solid foundation is laid in Grade 1, as it is to ensure high school learners are adequately prepared for their matric exams. Far more must be done to invest in the professional development of teachers. The biggest concern is that there is no quick fix to the problem. Even if the situation miraculously changes in the short term, we can only expect significant improvement in the long term. 3. How far ahead/ behind are SA’s education capabilities when looking at Africa and other global players? We are definitely not a leader. The quality of our education has recently been rated as one of the worst in the world, and even
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though this is disputed by the education authorities in South Africa, the fact remains that our education system is not meeting the needs of the learners and the country. 4. Do you believe e-learning is the silver bullet to improving education in SA, and why/ why not? No, I don’t believe that e-learning is the silver bullet. It is only a tool – albeit a powerful one. A silver bullet in a gun in the hands of a person who does not know how to aim has no value. Likewise, e-learning can only be of value if it is incorporated into an effective education system. It is important to note that e-learning is not an established part of South African education at this stage. And while it is beneficial both from the point of providing learners with the skills to operate in the digital world, as well as offering them new, engaging ways to learn, we first need the technology itself and skilled teachers that can harness the power of this technology to improve educational outcomes. E-learning is more than simply giving technology to learners – it is about how electronic tools are used to assist the learner process. It should also not be seen as an alternative to traditional teaching and learning, but rather should be used in conjunction with these methods. 5. How else can technology help enhance SA’s education system? Technology is an essential tool in the modern classroom, because it is an integral part of most learners’ lives. Schools need to capitalise on this to present learning content in an interesting and engaging way. We dare
“Technology is an essential tool in the modern classroom, because it is an integral part of most learners’ lives. Schools need to capitalise on this to present learning content in an interesting and engaging way.” - Kobus van Wyk, Head of e-Learning, Mustek
| FEATURE
not have learners leaving school without real digital skills to aid them in finding, evaluating, analysing and synthesising information to create knowledge and build skills. However, it is equally important that teachers develop a real understanding of this technology, not only to use it effectively as a teaching and learning tool, but also to protect learners from the dangers it presents, such as access to pornography, sexting and cyber-bullying. 6. What advice do you have for students in 2015? If you can afford it, get yourself a tablet – if not, your mobile phone can be a great tool too. Load free e-books onto your device and read them. The more you read, the stronger your ability to read with understanding (which is a huge problem in education at present); this will have a positive knock-on effect on all other learning. 7. What advice do you have for teachers in 2015? Set it as a goal for yourself to become comfortable with using technology this year. If you have never used technology before, learn the basics. Then think about how technology can be used to improve your teaching, make your lessons more interesting and encourage learners to interact and use technology to learn independently. 8. What advice do you have for Government and the DBE in 2015? Make sure that the officials in a decisionmaking capacity understand the value and use of technology in schools. During the past year, Mustek has done much to assist different education departments in this regard. For example, in the Northern Cape and the Free State, we sponsored “technology days” for senior education department officials, to inform them about what technologies are available, how they can be used most effectively in the classroom, and how they can be used to improve educational outcomes. 9. What do you think SA’s education space will look like in the next three – five years? Education is a complex matter and cannot be fixed overnight. I can only say what it should look like. Programmes need to be put in place to strengthen teaching, where every classroom equipped with appropriate technology and staffed with a teacher are skilled in its use.
AFRICAN SCHOLAR | 43
FEATURE
| AfDB YP’s
Africa’s Changing Infrastructure Landscape By Michelle Tutt
A
frica’s Infrastructure needs are evolving as a result of economic growth, population increase and urbanization. The infrastructure marketplace seeks fresh and innovative minds to design, construct, manage and maintain the infrastructure of tomorrow. The message that “Africa on the Move” is not new, but it is only now that we are starting to see the tangible effects of this ‘movement’ on the continent. Over the last 10 years, aggregate growth rates have consistently ranged between 5% and 7%, weathering the international economic crisis. These rates have been forecast by the International Monetary Fund to remain
44 | AFRICAN SCHOLAR
As engineering and science are constantly progressing, the African infrastructure marketplace is in need of responsive, motivated and innovative minds who are ready for a career in this changing and exciting environment.
high over the next decade. Africa’s collective GDP, estimated at US$2 trillion in 2013, is now roughly equal to Brazil’s or Russia’s, and is forecast to rise to US$5.5 trillion by 2050. These trends, coupled with the relatively low debt to GDP ratio enjoyed by most African nations, bode well for continued growth and stability. This speed of growth presents a number of challenges for the infrastructure sector. Africa’s population is set to double by 2050, rising from an estimated 1.1 billion in 2013 to 2.4 billion in 2050. African Cities will be most affected by this this population growth as the population percentage in urban areas is set to rise from 38% in 2013, to 60% in 2050.
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AfDB YP’s
| FEATURE
Africa will need a strong workforce of new engineering, science and technology professionals to deliver the roads, power stations, bridges, water management systems, ports and satellites that will be needed to sustain and promote economic growth. The role of a civil engineer on the continent is shifting, and now relies not only on technical and analytical skills, but also on project management, leadership and a strong understanding of the economic and financial implications of a project. The engineers of tomorrow should have the ability to use the latest best practices and adapt them to the African context. The spread of mobile technology, the development of composite materials, the increasing demand for energy, the pressure of rapid population growth in urban areas and many other advances have created a huge variety of fascinating new roles. As engineering and science are constantly progressing, the African infrastructure marketplace is in need of responsive, motivated and innovative minds who are ready for a career in this changing and exciting environment.
In 2012, The African Development Bank approved private sector financing for the construction of the Henri Konan Bedie Toll Bridge in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Bank played a key role in the improvement of contractual arrangements, the risk mitigation and in arranging of debt financing from other DFIs and commercial banks. The bridge was opened in December 214.
In addition, the continent faces financial constraints. The African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) determined that the continent requires an investment of $95 billion per year, a colossal amount that cannot be funded by governments and development finance institutions (DFIs) alone. African governments are also under pressure to prioritize social investments in healthcare and education over infrastructure, particularly during emergencies, for example recently, in countries affected by the Ebola crisis. This places a further strain on the public funding available for infrastructure. Infrastructure assets tend to supply essential services, meaning they are less
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exposed to economic cycles, leading to a relatively low risk, and reliable returns. To capitalize on this, new financing tools like the African Development Bank’s Africa50 and the World Bank Group’s Global Infrastructure Facility have been established to leverage new investment for the continent from the private sector. Meanwhile, the types of projects being developed are diversifying. For example, new ways to facilitate urban transport in Africa’s congested cities are being explored, designed and delivered; from Bus Rapid Transit schemes, strategic urban planning, improvements in commuter rail to the use of cable cars and cycleways. Innovation and fresh thinking is now at the heart of African engineering.
About the African Development Bank Over the last 50 years, the African Development Bank has committed close to $50 billion to infrastructure which has leveraged hundreds of billions of both public and privately sponsored infrastructure investment, establishing it as the leader in the African infrastructure space. In 2014, the African Development Bank established Africa50, an infrastructure preparation and financing vehicle, designed to crowd-in private sector investment for commercial African infrastructure. About the Author Michelle Tutt is a Senior Transport Engineer at the African Development Bank. She joined the Bank in 2011 as part of the Young Professionals Programme, from Mott Macdonald East Africa where she worked as a highway engineer.
AFRICAN SCHOLAR | 45
REGULAR
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Student Advice
YOUR PARTNER
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Find out how our recruitment services can work for your business at careersinafrica.com Call +44 (0) 20 8834 0300 or email contactus@globalcc.net 46 | AFRICAN SCHOLAR
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Student Advice
Question: Spot the business opportunity in this list:
Sweden Switzerland
GDP GROWTH
Taiwan Tanzania Thailand United Kingdom United States
/
REGULAR
0.10% 2.30% 2.49% 7.50% 2.80% 1.30% 1.60%
Careers in Africa has over 15 years’ experience in representing exceptional professionals who understand the potential within Africa. Whether you’d like to assess your options passively, or secure a new role quickly, registering with Careers in Africa is the first step. Engaging with our consultants and our network of more than 8500 placed alumni opens doors no other recruitment organisation can match. Visit our website www.careersinafrica.com.
If you see the potential in Africa, let us take your career there.
Find out how Careers in Africa can support your ambitions at careersinafrica.com Call +44 (0) 20 8834 0300 or email contactus@globalcc.net www.africanscholarmag.com
AFRICAN SCHOLAR | 47
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a future leader in business
+ 2 = 8
Cool Facts About CAs(SA) and More Reason to Believe:
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A CA(SA) earns on average 30 to 40% more than other young professionals
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